AFPAfter an early scare over how much the weather would interfere, the second test of the Stelvio Course was given the all-clear, with Kroell recording a time of one minute and 56.13 seconds.
Local favourite Christof Innerhofer, second-fastest behind Adrian Theaux on Thursday, was again just behind the pace, finishing just 0.09 seconds slower.
Compatriot Dominik Paris made it two third-placed finishes in as many days, .46 behind Kroell.
“The slope was better than yesterday and the warmer temperatures make the bumps a bit easier,” Kroell said.
“My run was much better than the one I had in the first training and my confidence is good for the race tomorrow.
“By starting at La Rocca today, the training time was only 4-5 sec shorter then yesterday and I really like the top section.
“I have always been a fan of it and of the jump just off the start gate so I hope tomorrow we can have a race starting at the top and good conditions all the way to the bottom.”
Innerhofer, who remains one of the favourites for Saturday’s race, admitted a back problem was hindering his efforts in Bormio.
“I the past years I had a lot of satisfaction from skiing, after winning my medals at the World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen I realized I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore and I can ski because I want to and I like to do it, “ he said.
“I have learned a great lesson since I won here in Bormio, rest is one of the essential segments of training and in order to be able to ski I need to listen to my body and take care of my back – sometimes that means coming to a race not as prepared as I wish but I learned to deal with that.
“My first points happened on this slope I finished 26th in 2006 I think, then a first top 10 in 2007 and a victory the next year. I have a lot of great memories from here and will be giving my best.”
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